Meghan Markle’s Emotional Connection to Friend Who Joined Her at Gala: ‘So Grateful to Have You by My Side’

Kelly McKee Zajfen wrote of Meghan that she was “beyond grateful to share in this beautiful evening with one of my closest friends”

When Meghan Markle made an unexpected appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala, she didn’t walk the green carpet with husband Prince Harry.

Instead, it was close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen who was by her side at the Oct. 5 event as Harry remained in Africa after a brief stopover in the U.K. McKee Zajfen took to Instagram over the weekend to pay tribute to her friend the Duchess of Sussex, 43, writing that she was “beyond grateful to share in this beautiful evening with one of my closest friends,” McKee Zajfen wrote.

The Alliance of Moms co-founder praised Meghan’s support for CHLA, calling her commitment to the cause “truly inspiring” and adding, “I’m so grateful to have you by my side.”

Related: Meghan Markle Recycles Her 2021 Red Carolina Herrera Gown for Surprise Appearance at Children’s Hospital L.A. Gala

McKee Zajfen also spoke of her gratitude for CHLA and the “extraordinary care” they have given her daughter, Lily.

“Our journey began when she was just two and a half, and from that day forward, we’ve experienced nothing but kindness, hope, care and unmatched expertise,” she wrote on Instagram. “Our team at Children’s has given us strength and hope during the most challenging moments and their continued commitment to Lily’s care has made all the difference to our family.”

McKee Zajfen, her husband Julian and Lily lost Lily’s twin brother, George, suddenly in 2022 after he contracted and succumbed to a viral illness. In an essay shared with PEOPLE in April, McKee Zajfen opened up about the devastating loss. “It is impossible to know how to survive this type of grief,” she wrote. “Even more impossible is the ability to find all the right tools that will help you manage each day. I definitely do not have all the answers.”

She continued in part, “To my grievers, I know this loss and grief is impossible. I hope that you can search for that one small joyful moment each day. To help lessen the overwhelming feeling of sadness. Even to step outside for the sunrise or sunset. If nothing other than to take a deep breath. Please allow others to show up for you in whatever way they can. I have learned to delegate my grief. I know certain people who can hold space and support in the heavier days. Or who I can share in the ridiculous moments that come.”

Related: Alliance of Moms Founder Kelly Mckee Zajfen Opens Up About Loss of Son Georgie, 9, After Sudden Illness (Exclusive)

She added, “I have learned that not one single human can carry it all for us, so allowing others in is imperative. Try not to expect people to understand it all. Even the people who share a similar loss. Not everyone will understand. That is the lonely part, I am afraid. So be brave in sharing.”

Meghan and Harry supported McKee Zajfen as recently as last month, attending the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles, an event honoring McKee Zajfen’s late son and benefiting the Alliance for Children’s Rights. The tournament took place on Sept. 14, the day before Harry’s milestone 40th birthday.

“Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family not just in the way you have shown up in friendship but how you have shown up through the incredible work The Archewell Foundation does everyday,” McKee Zajfen wrote on Instagram on Sept. 15. “I’m in awe of your commitment to community and to friendship.” She added, "Extra special day too…HAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet.”

In April, the Duchess of Sussex appeared alongside McKee Zajfen and Abigail Spencer in matching white t-shirts with red text that read “Love Like a Mother.” The trio paired their tees with blue jeans and, alongside a photo of them, McKee Zajfen wrote on Instagram, “When we speak about the people in our lives who lift us up when you need it with undeniable force of pure love, I think of these two. You inspire me. You pick me up when I need it.”

McKee Zajfen is co-founder of Alliance of Moms, which supports pregnant and parenting teens who are in the foster care system in Los Angeles to help families pave a positive future. The organization further supports the work of Alliance for Children’s Rights, a nonprofit offering free legal services and advocacy for caregivers, adoptive parents, kids and teens in L.A.’s foster care system.

McKee Zajfen has previously called Meghan, whom she lovingly refers to as “Meg,” someone who is “nurturing and warm and open,” adding that she is an “incredible friend and mother.”

“I’m truly in awe of you,” McKee Zajfen wrote, adding that Meghan is “always the first to say yes and support those you love. You are a fierce advocate for those who are in need.”

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When McKee Zajfen’s son George died two years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe set up in George’s honor, the Daily Mail reported. Meghan and Harry donated in the names of their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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